Definition
源泉 (yuán quán) means a natural spring (a water source) and the figurative fountainhead of something abstract (e.g., knowledge, happiness). Unlike 水源 (shuǐ yuán, any water source) or 来源 (lái yuán, general source), it suggests a continuous, vital flow. Compare also 源头 (yuán tóu, starting point) and 渊源 (yuān yuán, deep historical/cultural origin).
noun
water sourcespring(figurative) originfountainhead
Examples
- 源泉。Zhè tiáo héliú shì fùjìn nóngtián de guàngài yuán quán.This river is the irrigation water source for the nearby farmland.
- 源泉。Shūjí shì zhīshi de yuán quán.Books are the fountainhead of knowledge.
- 源泉。Yǒuyì shì kuàilè de yuán quán.Friendship is the wellspring of happiness.
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